'Super Maharatna' in the offing?

Even as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has asked public sector enterprises to either shape up or shut down, some of the profit-making units have started lobbying for "Super Maharatna" status. At present, public sector companies are designated miniratna, navratna and maharatna, giving these degrees of autonomy depending on the strength of their balance sheet and performance. The new status would give the chiefs of these companies additional financial powers to invest in India and abroad without seeking the Centre's nod. Though these companies are hopeful that the new, investor- friendly government will respond positively, officials concerned say they are still awaiting a formal proposal.